In children’s books, Johnny Appleseed is often portrayed as a fun, historical fellow who wears a cooking pot on his head and disperses apple seeds wherever he travels. Johnny Appleseed Day, celebrated on Sept. 25 each year, celebrates his birth, life, and generosity. I was happy to find that preschools and some elementary schools are still talking about the legendary storybook characters that we grew up on.

John Chapman, aka Johnny Appleseed, was a Massachusetts-born philosopher and philanthropist, who, beginning in 1802, wandered through northern and Midwestern states planting apple nurseries. His trees fed many settlers, and he was loved wherever he went.  

Now the apple doesn’t fall far from the holiday. Fall brings forth a time for harvest, and apple picking in North Carolina is a fun fall activity that family and friends can do together. Old Stage Orchards, in Coats, is a mere 27 miles away. The perfect day trip.